Netters seek SEA Games redemption

MANILA,Philippines — After a forgettable zero gold medal haul two years ago in Malaysia, the Philippine national tennis squad eyes redemption in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games. 

Top hitters Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales spearhead the Phl mission, looking to win as many mints as possible in the SEAG netfest where five gold medals will be at stake. 

AJ Lim, Jeson Patrombon, Marian Capadocia, Khim Iglupas, Denise Dy, Shaira Rivera, Clarice Patrimonio and Casey Alcantara join Huey and Gonzales in the team.

“Seeing Treat (Huey) and Ruben (Gonzales) playing for the Philippines is a very good sign. And hopefully, the Filipino tennis community will really support the team  in this coming SEA Games,” said national coach Chris Cuarto.

The Nationals are in the thick of their buildup, competing in various tourneys, and are expected to be home  in time for the games. 

“They’re still joining more tournaments and depending on their results, the latest (they’ll be back) is third week. So everyone will be converging here in Manila for the SEA Games,” said Cuarto, hoping for  a strong crowd support to buoy the national team’s chances. 

Fil-Am Cecile Mamiit was the last Phl bet to dominate the biennial event with three gold medals won when the country last hosted the meet in 2005.

Replicating the feat, however, would be easier said than done as Thailand’s formidable roster of Tamarine Tanasugarn, Luksika Kumkhum, Peangtarn Plipuech and twins Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul remains as the region’s yardstick after sweeping all the events (men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles) in 2017. 

Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia also pose strong threat in the tennis competitions slated Dec. 1-7 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.